Bill > HB281

This bill amends Mississippi's compulsory school attendance law to require a school attendance officer to file a youth court petition after a child's third unlawful absence during a school year. Specifically, the bill authorizes the youth court to order the child to complete 16 hours of community service within 30 days of being adjudicated. The changes aim to address chronic school absenteeism by providing a more structured intervention when students repeatedly miss school without a valid excuse. The bill modifies two sections of Mississippi law: Section 37-13-91 (regarding school attendance) and Section 43-21-621 (concerning youth court powers). Under the new provisions, after a child accumulates three unlawful absences, the school attendance officer must file a petition with the youth court, which can then mandate both school enrollment and community service. This approach seeks to engage both the student and potentially their family in addressing the underlying reasons for chronic absenteeism, with the goal of encouraging regular school attendance. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0281.xml